92001E3663

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3663/01

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(15 January 2002)

Subject: Execution of hunger-striking prisoners in Turkey

In a raid by security forces in a suburb of Istanbul, six hunger strikers were killed and, according to a forensic report discovered by the Turkish press, their bodies showed signs of beatings and bullet wounds. 80 hunger-strikers have died over the last year, 36 of whom have been killed in security force operations, and the International Press Agency reports that the Turkish Government is drafting a law providing for prison sentences for anyone inciting, encouraging or supporting (!) hunger strikers. Will the Council therefore say what practical steps it has taken in response to the murders?

Will discussions between the EU and Turkey as an applicant country be suspended until the competent Turkish Minister takes responsibility and resigns, and the conditions are created whereby the human rights, the life and dignity of political prisoners in Turkish jails are respected? According to a Council statement, improving conditions in Turkish prisons is one of the short-term priorities of the partnership. By when must these short-term obligations be met?

Reply

(13 May 2002)

Regarding the police operation in a district of Istanbul on 5 November 2001 against hunger strikers opposing the introduction of a new type of prison, the Council, through the Heads of Mission in Ankara and more recently at the meeting of the troika of EU-Turkey Political Directors in Madrid on 8 January 2002, expressed its concern to Turkey regarding a disproportionate use of force, and asked the Turkish authorities to provide explanations regarding the deaths that occurred.

On detention conditions in Turkish prisons, their improvement is a medium-term priority of the accession partnership with Turkey, which came into effect in March 2001. The accession partnership allows for more than one year for the achievement of medium-term priorities. The Council also recalls that the European Council which met at Laeken on 14 and 15 December 2001 encouraged Turkey to continue its progress towards complying with both economic and political criteria, notably with regard to human rights.

Regarding other matters relevant to the question raised, the Honourable Member is urged to refer to the reply given by the Council to Written Question E-3180/01 put by Mr Christos Zacharakis, which also concerns the police operation against hunger strikers on 5 November 2001 in Istanbul.